My RE&E Journey in Auz & Te Waipounamu: Day 19, Amazing Milford Sound & a Glacial Facial

in Worldmappinlast year

Today I ventured into the lands of Mordor, the high country, and waterfalls.

IMG_4553.jpeg

It began with a treacherous drive down to Milford Sound. First gear and brakes were required to keep me moving slow enough down this 17 degree decline past stunning, mile high peaks and deep, deep blue waters.

IMG_4520.jpeg

From there, it was onto a boat to access a trailhead on the Milford Track. It's an end-to-end 3-4 day hike. We only covered about four miles, but a beautiful four miles it was through New Zealand ferns, flora and fauna. There are over 100 types of ferns here. What's not here amongst the native species are four legged animals. None! That surprised me. There are invasives, like rats, ferrets and stoats, all of which they continually trap. The mountains are so steep that most have not been climbed, and likely never will.

IMG_4578.jpeg

After lunch, it was off on a boat ride to the Tasman Sea and back. Seals, penguins and dolphins entertained us during our two hour ride, as did numerous majestic waterfalls and cascades. Some, like the one pictured, are reduced to mist by the time they reach bottom. Others carry more of a punch. The last picture here shows the boat in front of us dousing the bow patrons in what the captain called a glacial facial. Our's did the same, and yes, I took the plunge!

IMG_4637.jpeg

Sort:  

The natural landscape is beautiful and majestic. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos.

Congratulations, your post has been added to Pinmapple! 🎉🥳🍍

Did you know you have your own profile map?
And every post has their own map too!

Want to have your post on the map too?

  • Go to Pinmapple
  • Click the get code button
  • Click on the map where your post should be (zoom in if needed)
  • Copy and paste the generated code in your post (Hive only)
  • Congrats, your post is now on the map!

Wow, hiking through nature is wonderful, so with good company even better 😊 Thanks for sharing 😊

Thank you. It's been a wonderful trip. This is the first time I've created a travel blog. It's been a lot of fun. Once my five week trip is over, I plan to post additional photos in some recap posts.

Posted via D.Buzz